Bad breath

Bad breath can have several causes, but is often due to conditions in the oral cavity. This is where bacteria are found that break down food debris and produce foul-smelling sulphur gases. Many people are often unaware that they have bad breath. To find out if you have bad breath, you can, for example, smell a dental floss used between the back teeth.

 

What can you do to prevent bad breath?

1. Brush your teeth thoroughly with toothpaste morning and evening. A worn toothbrush is not very effective. Therefore, replace the brush every 3 months or when the bristles crack. If you have dentures, these must also be kept thoroughly clean.

2. A lot of plaque and bacteria accumulate between the teeth. Therefore, clean between your teeth at least once a day. If your teeth are crowded, flossing will be an effective aid. A floss holder can be used to reach between the molars. For larger gaps between teeth, interdental brushes are best suited. These come in different sizes and are used in a similar way to toothpicks.

3. The tongue is also a place where a lot of bacteria accumulate. These can cause bad breath. A tongue brush will effectively remove bacteria from the back of the tongue, contributing to healthier conditions in the oral cavity.

4. Zinc-containing preparations can also help to neutralize bad breath. These come in tablet form or as rinsing liquids, for example.

5. Remember to eat regularly. If you don’t eat regularly, your body’s cells will start to break down fat. This can cause bad breath. Eating also stimulates saliva production and thus helps to neutralize bad breath.

6. Have your mouth checked by a dentist or dental hygienist every year. This will help detect cavities, gum disease or infections in the oral cavity that can cause bad breath.

Other conditions that can cause bad breath:

Certain diseases can also cause bad breath. Examples include inflamed tonsils, respiratory infections, diabetes and liver disease. In addition, dry mouth provides good conditions for bacterial growth and can therefore also cause bad breath. If it is suspected that such conditions are the cause of bad breath, the GP should be contacted.

Søk på krifa.no